Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Pharmacology Fundamentals

• Understand Drug Classifications: Identify and describe various drug classes, including their therapeutic uses, mechanisms of action, and common side effects.
• Apply Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Explain how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body, and how these processes affect drug efficacy and safety.
• Assess Drug Interactions: Recognize potential drug interactions and their implications for patient safety and treatment outcomes.
• Evaluate Patient-Specific Factors: Analyze how patient-specific factors (e.g., age, weight, comorbidities) influence drug choice and dosing.

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Prescribing

• Comprehend Legal Frameworks: Understand and apply the legal regulations and guidelines governing nurse prescribing, including the scope of practice and limitations.
• Integrate Ethical Principles: Demonstrate ethical decision-making in prescribing practices, ensuring that patient welfare, informed consent, and confidentiality are maintained.
• Navigate Prescribing Regulations: Follow regulatory requirements for documenting and justifying prescribing decisions and managing controlled substances.

Dosage Calculations and Drug Administration

• Perform Accurate Calculations: Apply mathematical principles to calculate correct drug dosages, including conversions and adjustments based on patient-specific factors.
• Administer Medications Safely: Demonstrate techniques for safe and effective drug administration, including route-specific considerations (oral, intravenous, etc.).
• Monitor and Adjust Doses: Monitor patient responses to medications and make necessary adjustments to dosages to ensure therapeutic efficacy and minimize adverse effects.

Patient Safety and Risk Management

• Identify and Manage Risks: Recognize potential risks associated with drug therapy, including adverse drug reactions and interactions, and implement strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Implement Safety Protocols: Apply safety protocols for monitoring and managing medication therapy, including patient follow-up and reporting adverse events.
• Ensure Quality Care: Promote quality care practices by continuously assessing and improving safety measures related to medication prescribing and administration.

Communication and Documentation

• Enhance Communication Skills: Communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals about medication management, including instructions, side effects, and treatment goals.
• Document Prescribing Practices: Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of prescribing decisions, including rationales, patient interactions, and follow-up actions.
• Facilitate Patient Understanding: Use clear and empathetic communication to ensure patients understand their medication regimen and any necessary lifestyle modifications.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with Healthcare Teams: Work effectively with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and optimize treatment plans.
• Contribute to Care Planning: Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and decision-making processes, integrating input from various healthcare team members to enhance patient outcomes.
• Address Care Gaps: Identify and address gaps in care through collaborative efforts, ensuring that patient needs are met comprehensively and efficiently.